CRAIG Forysth, the Derby County left back, has predicted his spell working under Steve McLaren, the former England manager, will enable him to challenge strongly for a regular start in the Scotland side in the future.

Forsyth was disappointed when McLaren was sacked by his Midlands club last month after failing to lead them to promotion to the English Premier League in the 2014/15 campaign.

The former Dundee, Watford and Bradford City defender, who has been capped twice by his country in the past 12 months, feels he developed and improved as a player during his time working under the 54-year-old.

The experienced coach is set to be named as the new manager at Barclays Premier League club Newcastle United next week and his former signing is far from surprised at the appointment.

The 26-year-old, who is hoping to be involved at some stage in the national team's friendly international against Qatar at Easter Road this evening, believes he can further his claims for a Scotland start after working with him.

"I think I came on a lot under Steve so it's sad to see him go," he said. "That was the club's decision, not mine. Steve brought on my game to a different level just by playing regularly and with his coaching which helped me to develop.

"I would say that defensively was the main area where I improved. Having played further forward before, to move back to full-back he helped me defensively. He has a reputation for being a good defensive coach and I'd vouch for that.

"The modern day full back needs to be able to go both ways, but, first and foremost, you need to do your defending and he helped me with that.

"I'd probably say he turned me into an international player along with playing regularly in the Championship and in a good team.

"He told me international football should be my target. First of all to get in the squad an once you're in there, to try and get a place in the team.

"It's a challenge for me to get a regular place. Andy Robertson has done really well when he's played, but I can only try and impress when I get the chance. Hopefully I can get some game time and impress."

Forsyth, who has been capped by Scotland in friendlies against Nigeria and Northern Ireland, was devastated at Derby's late collapse in the English Championship this season and at his manager's subsequent departure.

He admitted his involvement with Scotland for their double header against Qatar this evening and the Republic of Ireland in Dublin a week tomorrow will help him to put the painful experiences behind him.

" I haven't spoken to him (McLaren) since he left," he said. "We had a meeting after the last game of the season and at that point he was staying. It was a disappointing end to the season

"This is a good chance to get it out of your system and look forward to a massive game. You had to take time off to let your body recover at the end of the season but at the same time keep yourself ticking over to be ready for this.

"There were a few things that contributed to missing out on the play-offs. There were a few injuries and a few dodgy decisions. Everyone has them throughout the season, but we just seemed to have our bad run at the wrong end of the season and we couldn't recover.

"I joined up with the Scotland squad looking to get the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs out of my system. And then I see Russell Martin, Steven Whittaker, Matt Ritchie and Ikechi Anya who all finished on such a high.

"Johnny Russell and I are sitting looking glum and they're all celebrating! That's what happens when you meet up with the international squad because the players' seasons have ended differently. We talk about it, but Scotland is the main focus."